Nearly 40% of primary care physicians use AI for daily clinical documentation, survey finds

A growing share of primary care physicians are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their daily routines, but not without caution, according to a new survey from Elation Health.

Elation’s “AI in Primary Care” survey polled 291 independent clinicians and determined that 39.3% now use AI-powered tools daily, primarily for clinical documentation. Yet, while enthusiasm is building, the report makes clear that adoption is driven, first-and-foremost, by trust.

When asked what matters most in evaluating AI tools, clinicians ranked accuracy and reliability far above other considerations — 59% said it was their top priority. Workflow integration and ease of use followed at 22%, efficiency and time savings were next at 13%, then came cost and affordability, at just 6%.

“Our survey confirms what we already suspected: clinicians are cautiously optimistic about AI’s potential, but they’re looking for thoughtful, trustworthy, affordable solutions that truly fit the realities of primary care,” said Sara Pastoor, M.D., M.H.A., FAAFP, director of primary care advancement at Elation Health.

The report echoes a broader sentiment in health care that AI shouldn’t disrupt the clinical workflow or compromise quality. Tools that can support physicians without undermining patient care are far more likely to gain traction.

Positive but pragmatic

The survey probed clinicians’ broader attitudes toward AI tools. A majority — 59% of respondents — described their sentiment as either “positive” or “very positive.” Another 24% said they were “neutral,” a figure Elation interprets as openness pending more evidence of utility and reliability.

That middle ground reflects a common pattern: many physicians see the potential of AI, but they’re still hesitant on account of limited demonstrable, real-world impact. So, while AI has a place in the future of primary care, it hinges on performance under pressure. Accuracy, trust and workflow alignment remain decisive factors for clinicians.

“Clinicians are ready for AI that actually works for them,” the report concluded, “but [adoption] is driven by trust, not hype.”